AsylumGuido

Why the New Orleans Saints Are the Perfect Fit for Jadeveon Clowney

MAURICE MOTON
AUGUST 22, 2020

The New Orleans Saints' quest for a Super Bowl title and Jadeveon Clowney's desire to make good money on a contender seem like a perfect match for the 2020 season.

Saints offensive tackle Terron Armstead made a clear statement about the team's expectation for the upcoming term, per NFL.com's Kevin Patra.

"It's gotta be Super Bowl or bust in all honesty," Armstead said. "That's it. It's not really anything else past that. It's Super Bowl or bust. We don't get to the big dance, it's a failure of a season. That's it."

For consecutive offseasons, Drew Brees has contemplated retirement. At 41 years old, he's going into what could be his last campaign.

Unless the Saints think backup quarterbacks Taysom Hill or Jameis Winston can lead them deep into the playoffs, the front office should load the roster while the team has an open Super Bowl window, with the all-time leader in passing yards (77,416) and touchdowns (547) under center for at least another year.

Despite fielding the third-highest scoring offense in 2019, New Orleans signed Emmanuel Sanders to fill a void at the No. 2 wide receiver spot. On the defensive side of the ball, the Saints ranked third in sacks (51) and second in quarterback pressures (179). Fifteen players recorded at least one sack.

Yet, for the Saints, only Cameron Jordan topped seven sacks in 2019. Fellow defensive end Marcus Davenport was second on the team with six, but he missed three games because of a Lisfranc injury.

Although Davenport made significant strides last season, he's undergone three surgeries (thumb, toe and foot) in two years. Because of his absences and a rotation on the right side of the line, the UTSA product has played less than 51 percent of the defensive snaps in both of his campaigns.

The Saints would like to see Davenport finish the upcoming term healthy while developing into a complete defender, though that's a shaky expectation after he's missed six games.

Skeptics may question whether Clowney's presence would stunt Davenport's growth. On a positive note, the three-time Pro Bowler would strengthen the defensive line's rotation with his ability to pressure quarterbacks and seal the edge against the run.



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“The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.” — Winston Churchill

dizzle88

I think its nearing time that Clowney will be out this year, he's massively overvalued his skill set, reports were he wanted around 18M+ per year.

AsylumGuido

I doubt he'll be out. You are correct in that he's getting nothing approaching $18M this year, but $8M is, as my great-grandpa McNeil, used to say "better than a poke in the eye with a sharp stick". As an edge rusher he really doesn't need to be in camp. Given a choice most vets would rather come in at the last minute, anyway, right?

ChrisXVI

Davenport will be better.

AsylumGuido

Absolutely. Davenport is set up for a great year. While I doubt what the article says about Clowney's chances of coming to the Saints, I wouldn't toss him aside for super quality depth, at worst.

ChrisXVI

Clowney is really a better fit as a strong-side, run defending DE than the speed rushing role he’s always been cast in. He’d be an excellent sub-package LE when Cam Jordan kicks inside to the 3-technique. He wants way too much money for that role though.

Rugby Saint II

When he realizes that no one is going to pay him that much money then he'll probably drop his price to play for a winner like the Saints. Rotating him and Davenport could keep both of them healthy and productive through the season and playoffs.

But then again, someone could go down at camp and he's getting paid what he wants. Wait and see I guess.

K Major

Just imagine having Cam J, Davenport AND Clowney in rotation once the playoff starts. Monsters.

I think some people are kind of missing it here with JC though. The desire to bring in Clowney is not to replace Davenport. It's all about upgrading the depth and insurance if our starters missed any time. As we all saw in the wildcard game, the drop off from Davenport in terms of talent was huge.

Once the playoffs starts, the level of intensity and skill increases so you need another quality pass rusher.

Not sure what JC and his camp are realistically after financially, but on a one year deal I'd love to have him in black and gold.

It's time to win another Super Bowl.

“Winning is a habit, but losing is too.” Russell Wilson

dizzle88

I've been hearing good things about Carl Granderson from the Saints Beat Reporters. Hopefully he's a guy that can step up in the rotation.

Rugby Saint II

Granderson is making plays at every practice and looking worthy of a roster spot. He's quickly becoming an UDFA diamond in the rough. I've heard him compared to a stronger quicker Junior Gallette with a better head on his shoulders.

Clowney will cost money and we have major contracts coming up to keep our core intact. How badly does he want to play for a contender? His price will determine that I guess. I'd like him to fortify our D-line but not enough to pay him at the expense of re-signing an elite player.